Tennessee has been on the search for a speed back for the 2012 recruiting class since the middle of the 2011 season --- if not earlier.

The Vols found their guy in Athens, Ga., running back Quenshaun Watson, a standout at Clarke Central High School.

“I actually committed to them Wednesday of last week,” Watson said. “I had been feeling them since I took the unofficial visit up there. It just felt like home to me up there. I was very comfortable with the town, with campus and everyone in the program.”

Watson, who is also a standout on the track where he competes in the 100-meter, 200m, 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay, said he plans to be back on Tennessee's campus this weekend for an official visit.

The 5-foot-10, 175-pound back said he visited with former teammate and current Vol Alan Posey a lot about Tennessee and being a part of the program. He also said he likes what he saw out of the offense and how it fits him.

“I think it's a good fit for me,” Watson said. “We run some similar stuff in high school and Tennessee has a lot of big backs. I think there are some lanes and holes that are good for me that the bigger backs can't get through or see. I think my size and style of play with speed can help them in the run game.”

The Vols are certainly hoping so after rushing for just 1,081 yards in a 2011 season in which the longest carry of the year went for just 45 yards.

“They told me they like how I can take it to the house from any point on the field,” Watson offered. “They really like my speed.”

Watson said he likes how Titans running back Chris Johnson uses his speed and likes Marshawn Lynch's determination and that's who he models game after.

Watson's head coach, Leroy Ryals, said Watson's speed is his greatest asset, but that over the last year or two his running back has learned to do more than just run fast.

“He has speed, which is something you can't coach,” Ryals said. “But he's gotten a lot stronger in the weight room. He's really worked on his hands and blocking, but the biggest thing he has done is that he has really learned how to run behind his pads and finish runs.”

This season Watson finished them to the tune of 1,790 yards and 26 touchdowns.